Compared to factory tint, aftermarket tint is extraordinarily versatile. ... Factory tint is best known as altering the darkness of vehicle windows, but it's also used to reduce UV light and heat transmission. Properly designed aftermarket tint will improve the overall longevity and appearance of a car's interior.

How long does aftermarket tint last?

Properly installed and cured window tint will last 10 years or more. Some film manufacturers, including Rayno Window Film, offer a limited lifetime warranty. Installed window tint can last for 10+ years if treated properly. The length of time it takes to tint your window depends on the type of vehicle.

Is factory tint better than aftermarket?

Although factory tint may look similar to aftermarket tint, it most certainly is not the same. The tint may be dark, but it does not have the same benefits as aftermarket tint. Our 3M window tint blocks up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, while factory tint blocks virtually none.

Does aftermarket tint last forever?

Window tint can effectively last anywhere from one to ten years. This drastic range in lifespan is dependent on the brand and product you select, the quality of the installation, and how well it is cared for.

Why you shouldn't tint your windows?

Although tinted windows can definitely protect your eyes from the sun, it can also impede your vision on very cloudy or rainy days, and seeing outside through heavily-tinted windows is very difficult.

What you should know before you get your windows tinted

18 related questions found

Do cars look better with tinted windows?

Tinting your windows will block some of the UV rays that are responsible for cracking and fading the vehicle's leather. It's a great investment that will help keep your vehicle's interior looking good.

Is it worth tinting your own car windows?

The most obvious benefit to tinting your windows is the improvement to your car's appearance. Dark windows just look cool to most of us. Making your car look good is important, but it is not the greatest benefit of window tinting. ... Window tint can also help keep car interior temperatures in check.

Does tint lose darkness?

Another big sign of aging car tint is a significant change in color. Due to the effects of the sun, your dark car tint may begin to fade out over time and lose its original shade. ... While all tints fade over time, higher quality films are known to retain their original color longer.

Do tinted windows get lighter?

The Amount of Direct Sunlight to which the Car is Exposed

As your film absorbs and reflects that energy, the UV radiation can cause the tint to fade. While you'll shield the rest of your car from deteriorating in the sun, the film may eventually lighten as the years go by.

Does tint get darker over time?

NO, the tint percentage does NOT change. If you were to put a meter to it first day, then a week or three later it would be the same.

What tint do manufacturers use?

Although the exact amount varies, most automakers apply very little tint on car windows. Generally, the factory window tint percentage ranges between 15% and 20 % on most cars. This means that the windows (usually the rare window) lets in just about the 15-20 % of visible light and deflect 85-85%.

What percent tint should I get?

If privacy is your purpose for tinting, a 20% tint is an excellent choice. You can see through windows with a 20% tint if you're up close, but it's still difficult. ... A 5% is the darkest tint you can get, and you can't see through 5% tinted car windows at all. In most states, a 5% tint is illegal.

What does aftermarket tint mean?

Factory tint is the tint that the vehicle is sold with, whereas aftermarket tint refers to tint options that you apply to your car's windows after you've purchased it.

Is ceramic tint worth the money?

Is It Worth It? As you'd imagine, ceramic window tint is a more premium option than traditional products. However, in exchange for that slightly higher price tag, you're getting a spectrum of benefits that you'll enjoy for the duration of your vehicle ownership. We think that makes ceramic window tint totally worth it.

Can I wash my car after getting windows tinted?

You can wash your car to your heart's content and never have to worry about the tinting in your windows. This is because when the tinting film is applied it is placed on the inside of car windows – not the outside. ... That means no wind, rain, sand, dirt, and other things that might damage the film.

Is it normal for tint to bubble at first?

Water Bubbles, or “blistering,” is perfectly normal after window tint installation and should go away over time on its own after the film properly cures. ... Like air/soap bubbles, dirt and contamination bubbles will not go away on their own and, depending on the severity, the window tint should be reapplied.

Is 35 percent tint dark?

Thirty-Five Percent Tint

A vehicle with a 35% tint will give you a darker, more appearance but is still very easy to see through. Many people like this tint because it creates a smooth, stylish look.

How do you know if your tint job is bad?

Telltale Signs of Bad Tinting

• Noticeable Gap & Uneven Lines. Look at how close the window tint film is to the window edge. ...
• Purple Tint. ...
• Distracting Bubbles. ...
• Film Doesn't Stick to Dot Matrix. ...
• Gaps & Bubbles around Defroster Bars. ...
• Heat Transfer. ...
• Small & Clean Edges. ...
• Firmly Affixed to Defroster Bars.

How often should car tints be replaced?

Quality of tint: Standard window tint generally lasts up to 5 years on average. However, higher-quality films made with metal, ceramic, and high-grade polyester can last up to 10 years time. Always remember that the lifespan of window tint will inevitably decrease in time if maintenance isn't done properly.

Do you tint both sides of the window?

Tint is NEVER applied to the outside. They do this simply because it's alot easier (and safer) than trying to do this process from inside the car. When they are done getting the film shrunk and cut to size, then they will take the piece and install it inside the car.

Does tint go on the inside or outside?

Does the tint go on the outside or inside? The short answer is on the inside. First, the film is laid on the outside of the car's windows and cut out to fit. Those pieces are then placed on a large piece of glass and trimmed before being installed on the inside of the windows.

What is the easiest window tint to install?

Gila Static Cling 5% VLT Automotive Window Tint is an intelligently-designed film that will transform your vehicle. It blocks 95% of light, giving your car a sleek look while reducing glare. This scientifically-formulated, static cling material is extremely durable and designed for easy installation.